Work to repair the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s eight-coach LNER teak set after they were damaged by vandals has already begun.

Windows, amongst other items, on the NYMR’s LNER eight-coach teak rake were smashed by vandals on July 22. NYMR

The Gresley and Thompson-designed vehicles were severely vandalised on the night of July 22, with the carriages’ windows smashed and interiors damaged.

Chris Price, North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s General Manager said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our local community and volunteers, who have not only offered cash donations but also helped clean-up our historic teak carriages. We remain committed to restoring the set to its former glory and are hoping that one or two of the carriages will be up and running in the next week or so.

“There is a lot of work to do to safeguard, preserve and protect these carriages for the future, one plan is a new carriage shed, which will not only protect the coaches from the elements but also future events of this nature. So, all donations are gratefully received and will be used to protect these coaches.

“On both Tuesday and Wednesday evening the local community and railway volunteers donated their time in helping the carriage and wagon department in the initial clean-up of the carriages. Offers from the local community have included the replacement of the fire extinguishers, a painter and decorator to revamp the inside and outside of the carriages, a glazier to replace the window panes, an electrical wholesaler offering to replace light fittings and an electrician to install them.

“We’re absolutely open as usual and are determined to continue giving our visitors a memorable day out.”